The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Kenneth E. Allman (ASN: 37516942), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 775th Tank Battalion, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 19 June 1945. Sergeant Allman was driving the lead tank during an advance down a narrow, hedge-screened road when concealed enemy guns opened fire, penetrating his vehicle four times, setting it afire, and compelling the crew to abandon it. Then, although the Japanese concentrated heavy fire on the burning tank, Sergeant Allman re-entered it, extinguished the fire, and maneuvered the tank to a place where it provided cover for a wounded soldier and three other soldiers who were unable to move because of the hostile fire. The four men were able to retire to safety, and Sergeant Allman drove the crippled tank from the danger zone. Immediately thereafter, Sergeant Allman observed another soldier lying wounded in the road and exposed to the heavy fire. Entering a different tank, he maneuvered it to cover the wounded soldier. Although the Japanese directed heavy automatic fire at his vehicle, he opened the turret hatch and climbed out on the top of the vehicle. Other soldiers ran forward under the protection of the tank and lifted the wounded soldier to Sergeant Allman, who laid him in the shelter of the turret and backed the vehicle to safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.